Transcript Highlights:

• one arrest, not one person jailed. one arrest, not one person jailed.
• This person said these references were This person said these references were unnecessary<00:42:16.880
• It's about their alert that they sent. Yes, it is. It's in your packet, the FinCEN alert.
• It's about their alert that packets. It's about their alert that they<01:25:53.600> sent.
• And in your packet, the FinCEN alert.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Jerry Chang, Director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office; and Miss Annie Kishiro, Dean of the
• Jerry Chang, Director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office; and Miss Annie Kishiro, Dean of the
• I'm really going to miss you as you head towards retirement.
• I'm really going to miss you as you head towards retirement.
• and and alerts capable of identifying and and alerts capable of identifying changes<00:46:22.720

Keywords: House Agenda:, 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We appreciate all of you who are joining us here in person today.
• We want the public to be aware, to be alert, to be vigilant.
• Of the statewide Blue Alert system.
• We have one person left to testify that's been signed up.
• I speak today in a personal capacity.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing focused on a broad package of traffic and roadway safety bills, with repeated emphasis on work zone safety, the Move Over law, automated enforcement, and protections for pedestrians, cyclists, and roadside workers. MassDOT Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver strongly supported a bill allowing MassDOT vehicles to use blue flashing lights in limited work-zone settings, arguing that blue lights reliably slow drivers and could help address a rise in work-zone crashes and fatalities. District Attorney Marion Ryan, State Police representatives, and police association leaders supported a separate Move Over bill that would raise penalties for repeat violations and add an education component, citing officers and workers killed or injured roadside and saying the goal is deterrence and safer driver behavior rather than revenue. A major portion of the hearing was devoted to automated enforcement bills for speed and red-light violations, including proposals for school zones, work zones, and broader local options. Senator Brownsberger and Senator Jalen argued that automated enforcement is needed because speeding and red-light running remain common while police traffic enforcement has declined, and they described the bills as civil, opt-in tools that issue tickets to vehicles rather than drivers. Supporters from WalkMass, T4MA, Safe Roads Alliance, MassBike, Medford officials, and other advocates cited fatal pedestrian crashes, neighborhood speeding, and the need to protect vulnerable road users, while also pointing to privacy and equity safeguards in the bills such as limits on photographs, data retention rules, public reporting, and local approval processes. Several local and advocacy witnesses backed targeted camera programs. Senator Lovely and Representative Cruz supported a Salem school-zone camera bill, describing repeated violations around schools and buses. Medford officials and school-safety advocates supported a similar statewide camera bill, citing recent pedestrian deaths and dangerous cut-through traffic. AAA Northeast and the Massachusetts Aggregate and Asphalt Pavement Association also supported targeted enforcement in work zones and school zones, while urging public education and warning periods. Some witnesses raised concerns about the color of lights for highway workers, with State Police representatives preferring green over blue to avoid confusion with law enforcement, and committee members asked about constitutional issues, surchargeability, and possible targeting concerns. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• some things missing in this bill, too. some things missing in this bill, too.
• That's a miss on our part too.
• That's a miss on our part too. Um I do. That's a miss on our part too.
• <01:18:40.640> an the the legislature swung and missed an the the legislature swung and missed
• <02:45:22.479> because aisle, they see this as a miss because aisle, they see this as a miss

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Maybe you mentioned it, and I just missed it.
• That's what I missed.
• Sorry, I didn't miss you. That's fine. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• We've also put into effect system alerts.
• finances, in my personal business.

Summary: The meeting began with JLARC’s biennial executive committee elections. After confirming a quorum, members unanimously elected Representative Pollet as chair, Senator Wagoner as vice chair, Representative Orcutt as secretary, and Senator Solomon as assistant secretary for the 2025-27 biennium. The committee also approved the May 14 meeting minutes unanimously. Chair Pollet then outlined a commitment to more member input on audit scope and coordination with the State Auditor’s Office. Staff presented a preliminary report on Washington State recreation boating programs. They reported that six agencies administer boating-related activities, that the state collected about $108 million in boating-related revenue in 2021-23, and that $86 million was spent, mostly on infrastructure and water access, environmental protection, boater safety, and marine law enforcement. Staff said Washington’s boating laws and programs are broadly similar to other states and noted that the final report is expected in September. JLARC then reviewed several tax preferences. For natural gas used as a transportation fuel, staff said the preferences reduce fuel costs but did not meet emissions-reduction targets because fewer vessels and vehicles converted to natural gas than expected; staff recommended continuing some exemptions and modifying reporting requirements. For travel agents and tour operators, staff said the preference continues to provide tax relief, but large beneficiaries’ savings are rising while small beneficiaries’ use is declining, leading to recommendations to continue the small-business rate and add or revise performance metrics. Staff also reviewed a nonprofit low-income housing property tax exemption, concluding it helps developers build homes as intended but that the performance metric should better reflect housing outcomes; they recommended the legislature decide whether to continue or modify it. Other reviews covered multipurpose senior citizen centers, disabled veteran adapted housing, trade convention attendance, agricultural fertilizer and seed wholesaling, hazardous substance tax treatment for pesticides, and silicon smelter energy preferences, with recommendations ranging from continuation to expiration depending on whether the stated objectives were met. The committee then adopted the final cannabis market study for distribution. Staff reported that Washington businesses produced two to three times more cannabis than retailers sold in 2023, and that inaccurate and incomplete reporting limits the Liquor and Cannabis Board’s ability to regulate the market. The board said it concurs with the recommendations, including developing a plan for a new data system and considering broader social equity options. Finally, staff presented the proposed final report on Department of Health oversight of hospital data reporting, inspections, and complaints. Staff said DOH was late on most acute-care hospital inspections, had not fully verified third-party inspection standards, and did not adequately review adverse event correction plans or assess language access barriers in its complaint system. DOH said it concurs with all six recommendations and has already made some transparency improvements, including a public dashboard for adverse event reporting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1957: The eligibility of a person to serve on a civilian oversight board.
• This is obvious, but we don't want to miss how important this is.
• There's been some alerts on this that say that somehow we're swapping out that code.
• That is its intent, and that's what I'm really disappointed about the alerts on this.
• But the alerts they're using are simply not correct.

Bills: HJR98, HB142, HB912, HB2525, SCR19, SB66, SB128, SB209, SB250, SB317, SB383, SB393, SB397, SB517, SB571, SB612, SB614, SB715, SB731, SB801, SB865, SB867, SB872, SB905, SB913, SB945, SB946, SB986, SB1013, SB1015, SB1071, SB1086, SB1087, SB1113, SB1117, SB1181, SB1212, SB1241, SB1250, SB1263, SB1278, SB1285, SB1444, SB1483, SB1525, SB1528, SB1553, SB1556, SB1588, SB1660, SB1708, SB1802, SB1833, SB1844, SB1854, SB1957, SB1965, SB1999, SB2056, SB2082, SB2119, SB2133, SB2138, SB2203, SB2221, SB2337, SB2340, SB2373, SB2419, SB2422, SB2452, SB2477, SB2487, SB2501, SB2533, SB2586, SB2587, SB2615, SB2622, SB2633, SB2675, SB2681, SB2690, SB2713, SB2717, SB2753, SB2781, SB2782, SB2835, SB2841, SB2857, SB2891, SB2929, SB2933, SB2994, SB3016, SJR3, SB5, SB29, SB72, SB326, SB494, SB509, SB530, SB616, SB769, SB783, SB963, SB985, SB1143, SB1172, SB1238, SB1267, SB1271, SB1273, SB1506, SB1759, SB1786, SB1967, SB2312, SB2361, SB1, SB260, SB1506, SB1637, HJR98, HJR99, HJR2, HJR1, HB1109, HB1392, HB22, HB2525, HB3093, HB517, HB912, HB1130, HB142, HB1689, HB2018, HB136, HB2884, HB1393, HB2730, HB1399, HB1244, HB467, HB331, HB2559, HB29, HB26, HB166, HB353, HB2000, HB2756, HB3248, HB3513, HB3204, HB3135, HB3012, HB2763, HB2523, HB2457, HB2415, HB2198, HB2143, HB1708, HB1672, HB767, HB1327, HB2723, HB451, HB140, HB109, HB3096, HCR6, HCR12, HCR29, HCR50, HCR55, HCR56, HCR58, HCR70, HCR71, HCR74, HCR78, HCR80, HCR107, HCR116, HCR117, SJR36, SJR50, SJR63, SJR59, SCR12, SCR39, SCR48, SCR19, SB2023, SB1844, SB2533, SB62, SB666, SB847, SB284, SB854, SB1073, SB810, SB1505, SB583, SB507, SB1434, SB1772, SB2016, SB1163, SB1122, SB731, SB397, SB508, SB1436, SB287, SB261, SB1882, SB393, SB1791, SB209, SB2429, SB1999, SB511, SB2309, SB510, SB1085, SB1975, SB2717, SB1262, SB636, SB2056, SB884, SB517, SB1200, SB1845, SB2681, SB2458, SB801, SB3014, SB3013, SB758, SB1013, SB2797, SB2076, SB2876, SB2929, SB715, SB1640, SB2538, SB1449, SB986, SB1181, SB1359, SB410, SB1234, SB2926, SB2138, SB2615, SB2972, SB2841, SB3016, SB1856, SB1528, SB1373, SB672, SB2891, SB1854, SB317, SB2539, SB2532, SB1250, SB2082, SB2203, SB1285, SB1454, SB2520, SB1237, SB1586, SB2819, SB629, SB2342, SB2903, SB2477, SB3029, SB1957, SB375, SB250, SB777, SB2367, SB2703, SB2608, SB2965, SB2521, SB865, SB2165, SB2501, SB2675, SB2452, SB2835, SB872, SB1212, SB1278, SB1588, SB1602, SB1704, SB1723, SB1833, SB1858, SB1946, SB2009, SB2177, SB2460, SB2785, SB2373, SB1660, SB614, SB867, SB1608, SB1525, SB905, SB640, SB2487, SB1698, SB383, SB705, SB748, SB1113, SB1117, SB1802, SB2340, SB2586, SB2680, SB2690, SB2994, SB2747, SB1950, SB913, SB1071, SB1086, SB1087, SB1483, SB1444, SB1553, SB1556, SB1703, SB2133, SB2297, SB2298, SB2622, SB2955, SB3059, SB2782, SB2781, SB2637, SB2633, SB2337, SB2334, SB1861, SB2043, SB1367, SB946, SB945, SB2857, SB128, SB571, SB1263, SB3058, SB612, SB2221, SB2587, SB2044, SB2363, SB2713, SB2311, SB1986, SB2565, SB2943, SB1888, SB2417, SB3048, SB3052, SB3053, SB3036, SB3057, SB3056, SB3043, SB3037, SB3050, SB3063, SB3047, SB3035, SB2446, SB466, SB2611, SB2794, SB2105, SB2017, SB1790, SB1778, SB1730, SB2995, SB2847, SB205, SB2619, SB1903, SB203, SB3061, SB1581, SB2600, SB2799, SB2790, SB2688, SB2515, SB1230, SB876, SB2522, SB2639, SB2137, SB2519, SB2403, SB2459, SB3051, SB2655, SB2251, SB2764, SB2878, SB1884, SB111, SB582, SB2617, SB1835, SB2751, SB2959, SB250, SB614, SB865, SB872, SB905, SB986, SB1113, SB1212, SB1278, SB1525, SB1588, SB1660, SB1802, SB1833, SB2487, SB2586, SB2675, SB2690, SB2929, HB912, HB2525, SB1844, SB2533, SB1957, SB1999, SB2138, SB2615, SB3016, SR469, SB29, SB326, SB494, SB530, SB769, SB783, SB1238, SB1967, SB2312, SB1506, HJR34, HB42, HB198, HB247, HB367, HB449, HB632, HB668, HB677, HB766, HB1105, HB1160, HB1169, HB1592, HB1778, HB1781, HB1868, HB2017, HB2038, HB2128, HB2240, HB2316, HB2510, HB2516, HB2563, HB2582, HB2663, HB2712, HB2715, HB2760, HB2788, HB3010, HB3069, HB3112, HB3120, HB3146, HB3157, HB3305, HB3348, HB3464, HB3474, HB3505, HB3512, HB3560, HB3597, HB3686, HB3783, HB3860, HB4063, HB4081, HB4214, HB4215, HB4224, HB4273, HB4325, HB4361, HB4386, HB4395, HB4665, HB4783, HB5032, HB5180, HJR34, HB42, HB198, HB247, HB367, HB449, HB632, HB668, HB677, HB766, HB1105, HB1160, HB1169, HB1592, HB1778, HB1781, HB1868, HB2017, HB2038, HB2128, HB2240, HB2316, HB2510, HB2516, HB2563, HB2582, HB2663, HB2712, HB2715, HB2760, HB2788, HB3010, HB3069, HB3112, HB3120, HB3146, HB3157, HB3305, HB3348, HB3464, HB3474, HB3505, HB3512, HB3560, HB3597, HB3686, HB3783, HB3860, HB4063, HB4081, HB4214, HB4215, HB4224, HB4273, HB4325, HB4361, HB4386, HB4395, HB4665, HB4783, HB5032, HB5180

Keywords: Article V, federal government, fiscal restraints, constitutional amendment, term limits, HB 142, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, HHSC, Office of Inspector General, OIG, Medicaid, Medicaid managed care, recovery audit contractor, RAC, overpayment recovery, underpayment, fraud, waste, abuse, provider enrollment

Transcript Highlights:

• message that went across the emergency broadcasting system that said, alert, we want to let you all
• I’m a 700-person venue. Somebody comes to my rope line. I have tickets available at the box office.
• But once you miss that that window of waiting online, forget about it. You can't afford it anymore.
• One person couldn't go. We resold the third ticket. The last time I saw J.
• But, you know, we sort of have missed that for our school facilities as well.

Summary: The Assembly Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Committee met on April 8, 2025, and heard three bills. AB 666 would designate Bigfoot as California’s official state cryptid, with the author arguing it would recognize North Coast history and support local tourism; there was no support testimony, one opposition witness said the bill was a distraction from more serious issues, and the chair ultimately held the bill for lack of a motion. AB 1349 addressed speculative ticketing in the live entertainment market by requiring sellers to own or have a contractual right to tickets before listing them, along with disclosure, recordkeeping, anti-spoofing, and refund provisions. The author and supporters from music venues, artist groups, and sports organizations said the bill would protect fans and artists from deceptive resale practices and price gouging. Opponents from consumer and resale groups argued the measure was overbroad, could restrict legitimate resale and concierge services, and might favor primary ticketing monopolies. The committee members who spoke generally supported the consumer-protection goals, and the bill passed out of committee on a 7-0 vote, with two members not voting. AB 932 would require local education agencies that rent facilities to third-party youth sports clubs to provide gender-equitable access, closing what the author described as a loophole affecting girls’ club sports. Supporters, including the California Department of Education and youth sports advocates, said the bill would improve access for girls and address examples of unequal field and gym use. Opponents argued it could conflict with Title IX and raised broader objections to gender identity language in sports policy. The committee approved the bill on a 6-0 vote, with three members not voting, and sent it to Judiciary.

Transcript Highlights:

• This person is not insured by another employer, and this person is an actively drilling member of the
• We'll move— person is an actively drilling member of person is an actively drilling member of the<00:
• Senate to adjourn in memory of Miss Senate to adjourn in memory of Miss Sandra<00:13:27.600>
• >> A<00:14:14.320> great<00:14:14.480> miss.
• Um also, if we would >> A great miss.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 12 January, 2026; 4:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, received an invocation from Father Joe Tarnis, and approved dispensing with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill and resolution titles. The chamber also welcomed several guests, including military leaders in the gallery, and later recognized multiple senators for announcements and requests to adjourn in memory of various individuals, including community members, public servants, and family members of senators. The main measure taken up was Senate Bill 2018, the Mississippi National Guard TRICARE Premium Reimbursement Program. Senator Tate explained that the bill would reimburse eligible traditional National Guard members for health care premiums if they are TRICARE-eligible, not covered by another employer, and actively drilling. There were no questions on the bill, and it was passed by use of the morning roll call. Senator Barr requested to be recorded as not voting, and Senator Chisum was added as a co-sponsor by unanimous consent; the presiding officer then stated the entire Senate would be co-sponsors. During announcements, senators noted upcoming committee meetings, including the AIR Artificial Intelligence Regulatory Task Force, Public Health, Appropriations subcommittee meetings, and Tourism. Senator Tate also asked members to gather for a photo with General Bobby Ginn after adjournment and praised the bill as a retention and recruitment tool for the National Guard. The Senate then agreed to recess until 5:00 p.m., with the journal to reflect adjournment until 10:00 a.m. the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Point of personal privilege, introduction of guests in the gallery. Yes, proceed.
• President Peterson, I'd like to do a point of personal...
• individual who's been missing for or actually has, was missing at one point.
• Are there any points of personal privilege for the motion to adjourn? Senator Epstein?
• Point of personal privilege announcement. Please. Thank you.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and approval of the prior journal. Members then recognized several guests and issued proclamations, including honors for the Maryvale High School basketball program and Maryvale’s gifted and talented micro school, a Black History Month proclamation, and a remembrance for Emily Pike, with Senator Hatathlie urging continued attention to missing and murdered Indigenous people and to changes in the turquoise alert law. The chamber also marked Arizona’s statehood anniversary with cake for members and staff. The body then moved through Committee of the Whole and third-reading action on several bills. SB 1107, relating to peace officer certification pathways, was amended in committee and passed 27-2-1. SB 1032, appropriating money to the Corrections Oversight Fund, passed 29-0-1 after supportive explanations from senators. SB 1083 on condominiums and planned communities, SB 1252 on assignment for benefit of creditors, and SB 1259 on campaign-related provisions all passed 29-0-1. SB 1198, relating to the Arizona Beef Council, passed 23-6-1 after debate over whether the council used tax dollars or industry checkoff dollars. SB 1020, relating to special plates, initially passed 26-3-1 but was later reconsidered at Senator Bolick’s request and then passed again 25-4-1. The Senate also requested the House return SBs 1333 and 1368 for reconsideration. Committee meetings were announced for the following Monday, and the chamber adjourned until February 16, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2023, the Healey-Driscoll administration launched the Missing and Unidentified Persons Coordination
• In addition, it would ensure that missing person intake forms are available in more than 10 languages
• and unidentified persons in the national missing and unidentified person systems.
• and unidentified persons.
• We never missed a moment.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security heard testimony on several bills, with strong support expressed for a proposed municipal and public safety building authority (H. 2571/S. 1650). Municipal officials, fire chiefs, the Massachusetts Municipal Association, regional planning leaders, and Senator Comerford described aging town halls, fire stations, DPW facilities, and other local buildings, especially in small towns and gateway cities, and argued that local budgets and Proposition 2 1/2 make major capital projects difficult to fund. Testimony emphasized the need for a dedicated revenue stream, with the bill proposing a share of marijuana excise tax revenue and a rural funding set-aside. Committee members asked about prioritization and funding levels, and witnesses said even a modest start would help address a large statewide backlog. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the committee later adjourned unanimously. The committee also heard testimony on H. 2689, requiring fuel gas alarms/detectors in residential dwellings using explosive gases. Representative Jeff Roy, Susan Brown, Jason Cohn, and representatives from NEMA and Kidde supported the bill, describing it as a life-saving measure similar to carbon monoxide detector requirements. Witnesses cited the 2015 Franklin propane explosion that killed Nancy and Robert Brown, the Merrimack Valley gas explosions, and national fire data showing fatalities and property damage from gas leaks. They said detectors are affordable, commercially available, and should be required where gas is used; one witness noted battery-backed or battery-operated options exist. Committee questions focused on cost, battery power, outdoor propane setups, and whether the bill would cover private databases or only residential safety devices. Another major topic was S. 1755 on missing and abducted children. Senator Pavel Payano testified in favor, citing the case of Lee Manuel Villoria Paolino and arguing that misclassification of missing children as runaways can delay urgent response and worsen outcomes, especially for Black and brown youth. He said the bill would set minimum law enforcement response standards, require training, and expand multilingual intake forms. The committee also heard support for expanding the state DNA database through familial DNA searching, with Dr. Amory Myers explaining that the technology could help solve long-unsolved cases while including guardrails to prevent use of private consumer DNA databases. Finally, the committee heard extensive testimony on H. 2740, “Colby’s Law,” establishing safety standards for BMX and motocross tracks. Colby Lippincott’s family, community members, and industry representatives described his fatal crash and urged requirements for medical staff, insurance, inspections, warning systems, barriers, and access roads. Witnesses said the bill would not end the sport but would create basic protections, and the committee heard that Massachusetts would join a number of other states with similar standards. The hearing ended with a motion to adjourn, which passed unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• The next order of business is points of personal privilege. Points of personal privilege.
• and I hope you'll miss me.
• I'm going to miss serving them.
• I'm going to miss you.
• Mike Person.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the House Journal for the prior day by a vote of 118-1. The rest of the session was dominated by points of personal privilege, including farewell remarks from several outgoing members. Those speeches focused on service, family, staff, veterans, law enforcement, integrity, and concerns about lobbyist influence, with members also thanking legislative assistants and recognizing guests and family members in the chamber. The chamber then took up several bills. Senate Bill 1019, dealing with hospital finance and investment authority, was amended to align workplace violence, telehealth, prior authorization, physician licensure, and Lyme disease language, then passed 110-31. Senate Bill 1572, a pensions bill affecting police retirement, MOSERS, EMPERS, and related board provisions, drew extended debate over how to handle retirement overpayments; amendments were adopted to address technical and policy issues, and the bill passed 129-14. Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 1196, concerning workforce diploma programs, Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grants, workforce Pell Grants, higher education funding, and university board residency rules, was amended and passed 115-20, but its emergency clause failed 2-132. The House also granted further conference on Senate Bill 1020. Committee reports were read on several other measures, including bills recommended to pass by Fiscal Review. Later, the House began considering Senate amendments to House Bill 2508, an LLC-related bill involving certificates of good standing, court dissolution of LLCs in limited circumstances, and a St. Louis County property-management affidavit process for repeated ordinance violations.

Transcript Highlights:

• And let them be the person who speaks.
• I don't personally get that information. I'm not sure if the school district does.
• I am to alert the office if someone's potential... home and in his life.
• I am to alert the office if someone's potentially being checked out or, you know, they're missing a lot
• Then the district may try to hire this person.

Summary: The committee approved the March 9 and 10 minutes and then heard a presentation from the Arkansas Department of Education on the Arkansas Excellence in Teaching Fellowship, featuring three third-grade teachers from Cabot, Poyen, and Drew Central who are also teacher merit pay recipients. The teachers described the fellowship as a year-long Zoom-based collaboration with about 23 educators statewide, focused on sharing classroom strategies, data use, and professional support. Members asked about the teachers’ experience, how they share what they learn with their districts, the range of grades represented in the fellowship, and the relationship between the fellowship and merit pay. The teachers emphasized building relationships with students, using data to drive instruction, early intervention, and collaboration across grade levels, while the secretary said the program is intended to identify and elevate high-performing teachers and spread their practices. A major portion of the discussion focused on third-grade reading, retention, and the new ATLAS testing system. Teachers and the secretary said students are screened and progress monitored throughout the year, families are notified early if students are at risk, and schools are using interventions, tutoring, and individualized reading plans. They said ATLAS results are now available much faster than in the past, often within 24 hours or a few days, allowing teachers and parents to respond quickly. Members asked about the impact of poverty, trauma, foster care, DHS involvement, IEPs, and critical shortage areas; teachers said relationship-building, small-group instruction, and coordination with counselors and special education staff are key. The secretary said the fellowship is a small subset of a broader merit pay program, that participation was voluntary, and that the state is trying to build a coherent system with literacy coaches, high-impact tutoring, and clearer standards rather than teaching to the test. Members also discussed broader policy issues, including the need for more positive public messaging about public education, teacher input in decision-making, and support for early childhood education. Several legislators asked whether the state should expand funding for early learning and whether more literacy or academic coaches are needed in districts that improve and then lose eligibility for state support. The secretary said the state has committed literacy coaches to D and F schools and is still working through how to sustain support as schools improve. He also said the administration would look at data and return on investment before supporting additional funding, and he encouraged legislators to help recruit eligible teachers into future fellowship cohorts. After the teacher panel concluded, the committee moved on to the adequacy resource allocation study, where Bureau of Legislative Research staff began a presentation on state and local education funding sources, categorical funds, and district spending patterns.

Transcript Highlights:

• then lo and behold, the perfect person then lo and behold, the perfect person does<00:17:25.760>
• As you know, by law, by federal law, we're the ones that put out the weather alerts, the silver alerts
• , and the Amber Alerts.
• As you know, by law, by federal law, we're the ones that put out the weather alerts, the silver alerts
• , and the Amber Alerts.

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 14 January, 2026; 1:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The committee first heard a budget presentation from a charter-school authorizer agency. Witnesses explained that the agency no longer receives the federal CSP grant, that a one-time $499,000 equipment grant was not recurring, and that in FY25 they also had no general fund appropriation. They said their special-fund revenue has grown but is not enough to sustain operations alone, especially because the money arrives once a year and the agency needs a cash balance in advance. Their budget request sought a mix of general and special funds, but the legislative budget recommendation stayed near the FY26 appropriation level. Members asked about salary growth and contractual spending; the agency said higher salaries reflected doctorate-level staff and a planned sixth position, while contractual costs covered technical assistance, consultants, CPA reviews, and outside legal support. The agency also said a pending bill, identified as House Bill 2, could significantly affect its operations and revenue. Members asked about Republic, and the agency said a peer report had just been released, the school had made operational changes, and progress was being made though questions remained. The Library Commission then presented its budget request. The outgoing director announced retirement and introduced the incoming director, and praised the agency’s recent federal and state audits with no findings. The commission asked to restore two headcount reductions in the budget recommendation, saying the positions were hard to fill because they require specialized librarianship credentials and that losing them would cost about $130,000. It also asked to restore federal spending authority in case IMLS funding became uncertain, and requested about $173,000 for a 5% salary progression pool because turnover had reached 35% and many employees were near the start step. Senators asked about the open positions and turnover; the commission said one position had been open 10 months, another about eight months, and some turnover was due to retirements. Mississippi Public Broadcasting then presented its request for an $18.153 million appropriation. The agency said it wanted salary progressions to retain staff, four new vehicles for engineering and transmitter work, and $522,000 in reappropriated digitization funds to continue a project that has digitized more than half its library holdings for online access. The director also highlighted programming and outreach, including a new food-focused show, a music program, live coverage of the National Folk Festival, a Medgar Evers documentary now in national distribution, and expanded radio programming. He said MPB reaches nearly 1 million TV viewers annually, has strong radio and app usage, and continues to provide required weather, Silver Alert, and Amber Alert notifications. He also described a partnership with the Department of Education using e-glass technology to connect teachers to classrooms lacking instructors, saying the program is already serving multiple districts and drawing national interest.

Transcript Highlights:

• Shall vigorously prosecute person charged with making a false report of crime.
• , which would allow victims to alert...
• A web-based 911 alert system, which would allow victims to alert public safety agencies via a unique
• The strike-all simply states that a person with a significant medical condition is a person who is a
• I missed it. Yes. Thank you. The same for me.

Summary: The committee heard and voted on a long series of criminal justice, public safety, victim protection, and regulatory bills. Several measures were reported favorably, including SB 1374 on school district reporting requirements, SB 1378 on restitution for leaving the scene of a crash, SB 1072 creating an expedited DNA testing grant program, SB 1140 establishing a Hillsborough County criminal offender substance abuse pilot program, SB 1266 revising public records protections for crime victims and certain law enforcement identities, SB 1546 delaying and refining background screening requirements for athletic coaches, SB 1430 on post-judgment execution proceedings related to terrorism victims, SB 1444 making a broad set of criminal justice changes, SB 240 on domestic and dating violence protections, SB 606 clarifying public lodging and food service removal procedures for nonpaying guests, SB 1450 giving law enforcement discretion in arrests involving people with significant medical conditions, SB 44 increasing penalties for impersonating law enforcement with unauthorized red or blue lights, SB 1000 expanding court-ordered sealing options, SB 1400 requiring platforms to remove altered sexual depictions, and SB 1696 addressing rideshare impersonation and transit service rules. Many of these bills were amended before final passage, often with strike-all amendments or technical changes, and several had support from law enforcement, advocacy groups, or industry representatives. Testimony was generally supportive on the public safety and victim-protection bills, with speakers emphasizing faster DNA testing, better protections for domestic violence survivors, clearer rules for hotel and motel operators, and stronger tools against fraud, impersonation, and trafficking. Some bills drew notable concerns or opposition. SB 1266 prompted questions about whether a 72-hour cooling-off period for officer identities could be extended too broadly, while SB 606 drew concerns that the bill could affect families living in hotels or extended stays during the housing affordability crisis. SB 1444 generated discussion about false reporting language, off-duty carry for prosecutors and judges, and the scope of automatic sealing changes. SB 1000’s expanded sealing relief received broad support but was narrowed by amendments excluding certain offenses such as DUI and indecent exposure. The most contentious measure was SB 1804, which would create a capital offense for trafficking a child under 12 or a mentally incapacitated person for sexual exploitation. The sponsor argued it targets the most severe trafficking cases and includes safeguards such as excluding minors from capital punishment and preserving life imprisonment if the capital procedure is invalidated. Opponents, including the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops and Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, argued the death penalty is unconstitutional for non-homicide crimes, costly, and ineffective, and committee members raised concerns about whether the bill would incentivize traffickers to kill victims to avoid identification. Debate also touched on broader concerns about the death penalty’s constitutionality and whether life imprisonment is a more severe punishment. The transcript ends during that debate, without a final vote on SB 1804 included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, thank you, Miss Scott, for being here.
• But we are not in, you know, really concerned alert... ...you know, really, really concerned alert mode
• May I stop you right there, Miss Scott?
• And so, Miss Scott, you're... ...for them. And so, uh, Miss Scott, you're good-hearted.
• Thank you, Miss Scott. Singleton, yes. Thank you, Miss Scott.

Keywords: 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A person of Latino descent, one and a half times.
• Odds are that each and every person here today is or knows someone who has been personally affected by
• I personally know... Someone who has been personally affected by an opioid overdose.
• I personally am no exception.
• Is there anyone else we missed in the room that signed up to testify?

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health held a hearing focused on children’s health, disease prevention, screening, treatment, and pharmacy-related bills. The chair explained that the session was for public testimony only, with no votes or decisions taken that day, and outlined the three-minute limit for individual testimony. The committee then heard testimony on a range of bills, including H. 2413 on adding electromagnetic sensitivity to the state’s MAVEN registry, S. 1508 and H. 2433 on creating an amputation prevention task force, H. 2535 and S. 1551 on establishing a naloxone purchase trust fund, S. 1635 on authorizing pharmacists to provide opioid use disorder treatment, H. 2385 on creating a special commission on avian influenza, and S. 1497 on patient safety and non-FDA-approved compounded drugs. Testimony on H. 2413 came largely from advocates and individuals who described electromagnetic sensitivity as a real health condition and argued that adding it to the registry would improve data collection, provider education, and public awareness. Testimony on the amputation prevention task force bills came from the American Diabetes Association and podiatry groups, who said diabetes-related amputations are often preventable, disproportionately affect people of color, and could be reduced through earlier screening, better care coordination, and improved insurance coverage for preventive foot care. On the naloxone trust fund bills, a representative, emergency physician, and nurse testified that hospitals often cannot reliably send overdose patients home with naloxone because of billing and reimbursement barriers, and that a bulk-purchase fund would expand access at no added cost to payers or providers. The committee also heard strong support for S. 1635 from pharmacists and public health researchers, who said community pharmacists could safely initiate and maintain buprenorphine treatment and help close gaps in opioid use disorder care. On H. 2385, a local board of health chair supported a special commission on avian influenza, citing gaps in emergency preparedness and the need for clearer coordination across agencies. On S. 1497, a pharmacy representative opposed restrictions on compounded drugs from outsourcing facilities, warning that changes could reduce access to life-saving medications and harm patient safety. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• My commitment to disability advocacy is deeply personal...
• My commitment to disability advocacy is deeply personal to me.
• It is personal. In June of 2017... It is personal.
• We'll move to in-person with Jennifer Bertrand. Thank you. Thank you.
• We have Liz Fancher in person.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities held a hybrid hearing focused largely on DDS-related bills, with chairs Kennedy and Livingstone outlining strict time limits, accessibility procedures, and a 5 p.m. stop to preserve ASL and CART services. The committee heard testimony on several measures, including a bill from Sen. Mike Moore to create a centralized electronic education records system for students in out-of-home placements, which supporters said would improve communication, preserve IEP continuity, and reduce missed services. Paul DePaulo also testified in support, describing the educational and justice-system harms that can follow when foster youth do not receive coordinated records and supports. A major portion of the hearing centered on H. 242/S. 149, a bill to enhance standards of care for people with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities. Rep. Garballey and many advocates, parents, clinicians, and disability leaders supported the bill, saying it would require provider training, statewide standards, and better emergency department practices to reduce misdiagnosis, trauma, and unnecessary ER boarding. Testimony described sensory and communication barriers in medical settings, lack of provider training, and the need for continuing education and license-related requirements. Related testimony also supported H. 213/S. 111, which would improve access to behavioral health services for children involved with state agencies by requiring better discharge planning, coordination with hospitals and agencies, and more appropriate post-hospital placements. The committee also heard strong support for H. 256/S. 102, requiring universal changing stations in public buildings, from parents, advocates, and the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council. Witnesses said current restroom accommodations often force unsafe or undignified changes on floors, in cars, or in inaccessible spaces, and argued the cost of adding changing stations to new or renovated buildings would be modest compared with the benefits to dignity, safety, and community access. Another major topic was H. 261/S. 155 on supported decision-making agreements for certain adults, which supporters described as a less restrictive alternative to guardianship that preserves autonomy while providing trusted support. Finally, testimony on Tommy’s bill (S. 168/H. 282) described a preventable death after a hospital discharge and urged clearer communication and training requirements for residential staff handling life-sustaining equipment; the bill was presented as a safeguard for people with disabilities relying on such equipment.

Transcript Highlights:

• No personal details are revealed. I have to log on and I’ll see what the alert is.
• I don’t get any alert for that.
• We want the person doing it to be able to have access to view.
• They know that this person possibly has an opioid use disorder.
• They know that this person possibly has an opioid use disorder.

Summary: The Joint Committee on Administrative Rules met to consider a Missouri Prescription Drug Monitoring Program rule proposal after the Department of Natural Resources withdrew its items. The hearing focused on 1 CSR 60-1.010, which would expand delegate-level PDMP access to additional licensed behavioral health professionals, including licensed clinical social workers, licensed master social workers, marital and family therapists, professional counselors, and psychologists, while also correcting prior rule language involving medical assistants and clinical nurse specialists. Testimony from the PDMP executive director and supporters from Compass Health and the Department of Mental Health argued the change would improve care coordination, medication reconciliation, and safety in multidisciplinary behavioral health settings, especially CCBHCs. They said access would remain limited to licensed professionals working under a prescriber/dispenser relationship, with individual logins and penalties for misuse. Opponents and some committee members raised concerns that the rule would expand access beyond the original statutory framework without legislative change, could be used beyond treatment purposes, and should instead be addressed through statute rather than rulemaking. After public testimony, the committee debated whether the proposal exceeded statutory authority and whether the expansion was too substantive for rulemaking alone. A motion was made to disapprove the rule on grounds including lack of statutory authority, conflict with state law, and arbitrariness. The motion passed by a roll call vote of 7-1, and the committee disapproved Rule 1 CSR 60-1.010 before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• And here is 7 News First Alert Meteorologist Eileen Whalen. It’s cold today with highs in the 30s.
• I'm 7 News Meteorologist Eileen Whalen in the First Alert Weather Center.
• Technology is made for persons, not persons for technology. Technology. Kids need time to be kids.
• What kind of personal data is at risk? Social security numbers, bank account information?
• Miss Baldwin? Aye. Miss Duckworth? Aye. Miss Rosen? Aye. Mr. Lujan? Aye. Mr. Hickenlooper?

Bills: SB161, SB195, SB216, SB245, SB246, SB257, SB258, SB260, SB278, SB281, SB283, SB93, SB98, SB99, SB306, SB314, SB315

Keywords: vehicle safety, crash test, crashworthiness, NHTSA, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, New Car Assessment Program, NCAP, motor vehicle safety standards, 49 CFR parts 571 and 572, THOR dummy, THOR-50M, THOR-05F, WorldSID, female crash test dummy, male crash test dummy, occupant protection, frontal impact, side impact, vehicle ratings, automotive safety

Transcript Highlights:

• No personal details are revealed. I have to log on and I'll see what the alert is.
• I don't get any alert for that.
• dependent on the person further down the chain's access.
• PDMP tells us this is the person prescribing the medication.
• We want the person doing it to be able to have access to view.

Keywords: 959, house, all